Going on zip lines allows many fun seekers and adventure enthusiasts to enjoy the thrill of moving fast through the air at a high altitude. Zip lining in an adventure park is an adrenaline pumping activity that allows you have amazing views of thick foliage, well preserved parks, water bodies, and wildlife. However, as with every other intense recreational activity, there are risks. But this risks will be minimal if the company managing the zip lines, the operators and all users adhere strictly to government and industry standards.
If you are planning to take a zip line tour, here are some of the factors that will help you to know that you will enjoy a safe and exciting ride.
Government Approval
Every zip line company will be able to show your their certificate of approval from the Australian government. In this country, the government provides strict regulation and monitoring of all zip lines to maximize safety of guests and operators. So over the years accidents or injuries have been extremely low. Adventure park operators always comply with the highest safety standards set for them by industry professionals and government regulations. That is why you visit any Australian park that has zip lines and ride with peace of mind.
Well Trained Guides
Zip line guides and instructors in Australia are professionally trained and certified. They provide training and safety instructions for all riders and also offer guidance and support when needed. They will show you how to put on the crash helmet, harness and brakes. Trained zip line guides also use powerful communication gadgets to ensure that they know exactly when to send the next group along the zip line. To enjoy a safe and comfortable ride, it is vital to follow all the instructions you receive from the guides.
Professional Construction (Height, Length and Speed)
All accredited zip lines are built and maintained by industry professionals. So you should only patronise companies that comply with industry standards. For instance, zip lines like the Canyon Flyer, which has 7 long courses running for a total of 1.5km at a height of 60m was built with very sturdy structures and guard rails. Operators inspect the ropes and other parts of the zip lines daily and service them periodically. So you can move at the maximum speed of 70 km/h and enjoy the thrills without any fear.
Safety Gear
Virtually all accredited zip line courses provide standard safety equipment for all guests. For instance, the crash helmet will protect your head and save you from having a cracked skull or brain damage if an accident occurs. The instructors will also tell you how the harness works and ensure that everything is secure and safe before you are released to go. Many courses also have brakes for speed control. As you get to the platform at the end of the ride, the speed will be reduced you can dismount comfortably. The course platform also has safety rails to give you stability if you are feeling dizzy after you finish one zip line course.
Good Customer Reviews
Before you go on any zip line tour, you should do some research and read the reviews and experiences of other people. Well established zip lines companies usually allow their clients to write about their experiences and rate the facility after each tour. However, you should not depend on this alone. For instance, if you want to visit the zip line tour mentioned earlier, you can read independent reviews and visit other review sites like TripAdvisor to get a feel of what to expect when you visit the park. When you read these reviews, look out for reviews that talk about safety and the performance of guides and instructors.
What to Do to Increase Your Safety
Now that you know the factors that make a zip line safe, you should take these steps to improve your safety:
Check Your Fitness and Health Status
To enjoy a zip line ride, you should be able to do light exercise without any serious health problems. Consult your physician if you have any medical conditions like neck pain, back pain, hypertension, seizures, or dizziness. Look out for the weight restrictions for each zip line tour and ensure that you will not be disqualified because you are overweight. If you are pregnant, wait till you’ve delivered your baby and regained your fitness before you go on a zip line adventure.
Dress Appropriately
When you are going to an adventure park for a zip line ride, dress as if you are going for hiking or outdoor exercise. It’s not a fashion show, so don’t wear platform heels or a kilted skirt. Generally, zip line operators will ask you to wear closed-toe shoes like trainers or well-cushioned running shoes. Ordinarily, you should not wear any piece of jewellery or take any item that can fall off your body. Your hands should also be free, so leave your camera in the locker. Most operators have powerful cameras that are handled by experienced operators so you will still be able to have some photographs of your adventure when you are through.
Have Fun
Relax and make up your mind to have fun and get the best from your zip line tour. Be determined to overcome your fears and enjoy every moment of the ride. After you are strapped in, focus on having fun and enjoy every moment of the ride. Since you will be accompanied by guides on the tour, you will have an opportunity to catch stunning aerial views of the dense forest, rare birds,wildlife and water bodies. Focus more on having fun than on the safety equipment and you will have a more rewarding experience.
Conclusion
Zip lines offer unique opportunities to go on a tour across forests, stunning landscapes, and water. Due to the strict regulations and operational guidelines followed by the zip line companies in Australia, you can visit and participate in zip line tours with safety and peace of mind. As long as you comply with the instructor’s guidelines and you meet basic fitness and weight requirements, you will have a memorable and delightful experience.
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